Metal roofs are long-lasting and highly durable but must be inspected regularly. Keeping your roof in tip-top shape is the best way to avoid potential problems.
Regular inspections can help you spot rust spots, leaks, and other issues before they cause major damage to your property. Fortunately, you can do a few simple things to keep your metal roof looking great and functioning as it should.
Clean Your Gutters
Gutters are an essential part of a metal roofing New Hampshire, as they help to collect rainwater from your roof and carry it away. Without them, the rain could overflow and corrode your home’s foundation or damage your basement.
Cleaning your gutters is a great way to keep your roof in tip-top shape and prevent larger issues from developing over time. It would help if you cleaned your gutters at least twice per year.
Keeping your gutters free of debris is especially important if trees surround your home. Having leaves and other debris in your gutters can cause them to clog and block water flow.
Cleaning your gutters is a safe and easy task that most homeowners can do. Before you begin, ensure you have the right equipment, such as a sturdy ladder.
Repaint
Metal roofs are durable and attractive, but they can lose their color over time due to exposure to the sun and elements. Repainting your roof can restore its appearance and inhibit corrosion from keeping it in tip-top shape for as long as possible.
Before painting, it’s important to properly prepare your roof by removing mildew and any dirt or paint that may have built up over time. Using a power wash to remove these can be a quick and easy way to get your roof ready for painting.
You should also remove any rust spots before painting your roof to make sure that the new color will not transfer to your roof’s surface. A paint scraper or a mixture of water and vinegar can work well.
Check Your Fasteners
The fasteners holding it up are vital for keeping your metal roof tip-top shape. They can contribute to the enduring quality of your roof and help it to remain energy efficient for years to come.
Whether you have a standing seam or exposed fastener roof, you’ll want to check your screws and rivets yearly to ensure they are secure, tight, and not loose, crooked, or missing. If any of these are missing or rusted, consider replacing them.
It’s also important to examine your sealants and gasket washers for damage, rust, or leaks. These sealants can last about 20 years but can become damaged if the panels or fasteners move.
This is especially true for exposed fastener systems, which can back out of their holes as the metal roof expands and contracts over time. This can cause your sealant to fail and allow water to penetrate the metal.
Inspect Your Roof
Keeping your roof in tip-top shape can prolong its lifespan and ensure it doesn’t need to be replaced. To do this, inspecting it regularly and ensuring no problems arise is important.
During your inspection, you should look for damaged panels that are separating at their seams, and you should also check the flashing (material that ensures water is properly drained away from the roof) to prevent leaks.
If there are any missing or loose panels, you may need to replace them. This will improve energy efficiency and reduce utility bills.
You should also inspect the roofing components around your HVAC system and ventilation areas for signs of corrosion. This occurs due to the chemicals, steam, and heat your system releases.
Cutting tree branches too close to your metal roof is also a good idea. This will help prevent them from scratching the surface and causing damage during a storm.
